Rusty 06-212

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6/28/06: Picture two old guys sitting out front watching the traffic go by. Without speaking they look at one another and nod. Time to go in and get out of the heat. Both creak and groan as they get up. Together they waddle up the steps and disappear through the door. Been a tough day, now it's time to relax and have a treat!

Nine-year-old Rusty has been quietly enjoying the last month hidden away at Ye Olde Dudes Ranch. He and I especially enjoy a brisk workout before we sit out front and watch traffic. I throw a tennis ball about 10 feet away, Rusty looks at it, we both smile. There's nothing like a brisk workout in the summer heat to get your blood flowing.

Rusty came to RAGOM in horrible shape. Karen in South Dakota did a great job of cleaning him up. She passed him on to me to treat his ear infections, which are now cleared up. At first Rusty was distant and mildly afraid of strangers. He seemed very depressed.

Now Rusty is amazing! He's friendly, outgoing and loves being around people. He now lopes along up to 30 feet before he falls over exhausted! This gentle giant lives with a very pushy dog, 2 cats and 2 humans. He has never exhibited any signs of aggression. He's well behaved and knows several commands. On a good day, he'll obey most of them. He has only briefly been exposed to young teens, but had no problems with them.

Rusty is in pretty good health: he's overweight and suffers from buttacus giganticus. Yes, being big can have its disadvantages when getting up steps and into or out of cars. As long as he limits his intake of cake and ice cream, his mild diabetes doesn't seem to be a factor in his life.

If you love mountain climbing or running 10 miles getting ready for the next marathon, then Rusty probably isn't for you. Rusty would rather sit on the couch watching TV and share a bowl of good popcorn with his family. He loves to ride in the car, too. He usually plops his big ol' head on the back of the seat and just watches where he's been. It doesn't take much to entertain this big huggable Rust Bucket! He's been trying like crazy for three weeks to catch the little chipmunk who lives out front, but he's just not much of a hunter. I don't think he'd know what to do with it if he did catch it!

If you're looking for Laid-Back Lenny to join your household, then this peace-loving sweetheart is for you. Let Placement know you'd like to meet Rusty. Look for the two big fat guys out front watching traffic...

RustyRustyRustyRusty

At a Glance #06-212

Breed not specified Born: March 1998
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

6/28/06: Picture two old guys sitting out front watching the traffic go by. Without speaking they look at one another and nod. Time to go in and get out of the heat. Both creak and groan as they get up. Together they waddle up the steps and disappear through the door. Been a tough day, now it's time to relax and have a treat!

Nine-year-old Rusty has been quietly enjoying the last month hidden away at Ye Olde Dudes Ranch. He and I especially enjoy a brisk workout before we sit out front and watch traffic. I throw a tennis ball about 10 feet away, Rusty looks at it, we both smile. There's nothing like a brisk workout in the summer heat to get your blood flowing.

Rusty came to RAGOM in horrible shape. Karen in South Dakota did a great job of cleaning him up. She passed him on to me to treat his ear infections, which are now cleared up. At first Rusty was distant and mildly afraid of strangers. He seemed very depressed.

Now Rusty is amazing! He's friendly, outgoing and loves being around people. He now lopes along up to 30 feet before he falls over exhausted! This gentle giant lives with a very pushy dog, 2 cats and 2 humans. He has never exhibited any signs of aggression. He's well behaved and knows several commands. On a good day, he'll obey most of them. He has only briefly been exposed to young teens, but had no problems with them.

Rusty is in pretty good health: he's overweight and suffers from buttacus giganticus. Yes, being big can have its disadvantages when getting up steps and into or out of cars. As long as he limits his intake of cake and ice cream, his mild diabetes doesn't seem to be a factor in his life.

If you love mountain climbing or running 10 miles getting ready for the next marathon, then Rusty probably isn't for you. Rusty would rather sit on the couch watching TV and share a bowl of good popcorn with his family. He loves to ride in the car, too. He usually plops his big ol' head on the back of the seat and just watches where he's been. It doesn't take much to entertain this big huggable Rust Bucket! He's been trying like crazy for three weeks to catch the little chipmunk who lives out front, but he's just not much of a hunter. I don't think he'd know what to do with it if he did catch it!

If you're looking for Laid-Back Lenny to join your household, then this peace-loving sweetheart is for you. Let Placement know you'd like to meet Rusty. Look for the two big fat guys out front watching traffic...

RustyRustyRustyRusty

Updates

Monday, August 7, 2006

Big Rusty left us for greener pastures yesterday. A wonderful family from Cannon Falls adopted him and have taken him back to play with all their farm animals. From the "Old Dudes Ranch" to a real dude ranch, now that's living.

Rusty was in such horrible shape when he came to RAGOM, but now he's finally going to know how great life can really be. This has been a real team effort. If Rusty could thank each of you I know he would want to single out Karen, Joyce, Dr Jean Geske and all those in Transport who worked so hard to get him from the wilderness in western South Dakota (!) across two states to my home in St Louis Park.

If you'd like to drop him a note just address it to Big Rusty, c/o Cannon Falls! Rusty, you are already missed. Live long and prosper, Old Friend.

Rusty & Lincoln Buddy's last nap togetherRusty (Before & After)

Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Tobie has moved on to his regular foster, Little Rusty (06-329) has come and gone and things have quieted down nicely. Just the way Big Rusty likes 'em. He's so quiet and polite that I often have to look for him to know where he is. All the other dogs here are more of the "front and center" type, so they get lots of attention. Rusty really enjoys it when I find him and give him big hugs and kisses and focus just on him. Rusty is a big (very big!) bundle of sweet love who just needs a loving family and some time to show how loveable he really is.

In the last month Rusty has really started bouncing around the yard. He's actually learning to have fun! This heat wave is slowing him down, though, as he really prefers cooler temps. After he comes in he guzzles about a half gallon of water and then heads for a comfy spot in front of an a/c cooling duct. He's done real well during the loud storms we've had recently.

Please contact us about Rusty if you have a special need in your next dog: if maybe you already have a dog that's "picky" about its friends but you want another one in the family, Rusty could be for you. Maybe you have a sick or hurt family member who needs a sensitive, quiet dog for loving companionship, Rusty could be for you. If you just want to add on to your pack but don't want a bubbly, bouncy cheerleader, Rusty could be for you. His beautiful, peaceful demeanor makes him a real "catch". Like with most quiet beings, you just have to look past the wild ones up front to the back of the pack to see him. He's the big, red-coated, soft-eyed moosh sitting quietly in the back waiting for you to pick him out...

Saturday, July 8, 2006

Since last week two new doggies have joined the pack, Clint 06-295 and Tobie 06-298. He's one of the two "old veterans" here at Old Dudes Ranch and his gentle, good nature helps welcome the new kids. Rusty himself has responded beautifully to all the love and attention. He's beginning to romp and play. Tobie is teaching Rusty how to retrieve a tennis ball or Frisbee. In return, Rusty is teaching Tobie how to lie in the middle of a room to block all traffic.

Physically, Rusty is responding really well to a healthy diet. He's slowly losing weight and his coat is in much better condition. Even his rear suspension is working better. This big kid is really learning to enjoy life now.

Rusty is the elderly statesman at the ranch. He brings a calming influence to what could easily be The Wild Bunch. I think we'll get him a top hat and cane so he can look the part.

If you'd like a distinguished gentleman to join your family, Rusty's for you. He's quiet, well behaved, gentle and very easy going. But, we'll understand if you'd rather have one of those bouncy, noisey, energetic, "talkative" dogs. Some people would just rather work harder. :-)

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Rusty is so easy to care for! Never any accidents in the house, he's easy going, does not "defend" his food, has no use for expensive toys and is content to sleep or while away the hours with a good marrow bone. Rusty does like his food. And everyone else's food, too. He enjoys helping the cats finish theirs. We are working on that -- he seems to be mastering it.

I don't think Rusty has met a dog around here he didn't like. He's very gentle with the two resident cats. Except when The Pack is going out or coming in. Traffic can get pretty heavy at times in the doorway and the smallest cat has been known to get stepped on. Rusty acts like nothing has happened and all is well.

The only time Rusty seems to bark is in response to a member of our pack. LB (for those of you who know him) loves to scare the pooh out of people who ring the doorbell. I actually think he grins as he barks. Anyway, Rusty always has to amble out to see what the fuss is about. Sometimes he chimes in: I don't know if he's barking at the visitor or at LB, though. Rusty prefers a quieter household. It seems to help him concentrate on his primary mission -- to sleep.

Note the before and after pics of Rusty. Karen D. sure did a nice job of making this lover boy look neater! By the way, Rusty does not drool. He must have been very stressed out when that one picture was taken at the shelter. Enjoy the pictures. More next week if he's still available...